Top 15 Japanese Restaurants in San Francisco
San Francisco, located in Northern California, is known for its varied and lively culinary scene, and Japanese restaurants play a significant role in the city’s gastronomic landscape. With a rich cultural tapestry, San Francisco boasts a variety of Japanese eateries offering traditional and contemporary dishes. Let’s explore the Top 15 Japanese Restaurants in San Francisco.
If you are looking for a place to have brunch, we recommend our list of brunch spots in San Francisco.
AKIKOS
San Francisco’s first omakase venue, AKIKOS, introduces patrons to an engaging, one-of-a-kind experience at the open-concept chef’s stage.
The restaurant places a strong emphasis on utilizing sustainable and seasonal ingredients, providing a refined and immersive encounter that skillfully balances classic and contemporary Japanese cuisine.
Average price per person: $100-250 USD
Recommended: Osechi & Shokupan
Address: 430 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA
Roka Akor – San Francisco
Roka Akor San Francisco provides a versatile dining space designed for every occasion. The restaurant’s aesthetic seamlessly blends modernity with a Japanese spirit, creating a beautiful setting.
The chef-driven menu, crafted for sharing, features contemporary dishes that highlight the artistry of the kitchen.
Average price per person: $50 – 100 USD
Recommended: Black Cod & Tempura Tiger Shrimp
Address: 801 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA
Ebisu Restaurant
As a family-owned and operated establishment situated in close proximity to Golden Gate Park, Ebisu Restaurant has been a culinary staple in the community.
The restaurant takes pride in sourcing fresh fish from various corners of the globe, ensuring a diverse and high-quality selection. Beyond the dine-in experience, the establishment also offers convenient takeout options.
Average price per person: $30 – 50 USD
Recommended: Kobe Beef Kushiyaki & Salmon Belly Nigiri
Address: 1283 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA
Image credits: Tripadvisor
PABU Izakaya
Situated in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, PABU Izakaya seamlessly fuses old-world Japanese charm with an infusion of urban sophistication. The collaborative vision of Chefs Michael Mina and the late Ken Tominaga has shaped a culinary experience that stands as a tribute to their expertise.
Do not miss the happy hour every Monday through Saturday from 16:00hr to 17:30hr.
Average price per person: $40 – 70 USD
Recommended: Robatayaki
Address: 101 California St, San Francisco, CA
Image credits – OpenTable
KUSAKABE
KUSAKABE’s focal point is the course menu, highlighting an expansive selection of sushi that transcends the traditional Edomae style, providing a showcase of sushi variety.
The ambiance is further enriched by an exceptional offering of sake, wine, and beer, ensuring a comprehensive and elevated dining experience for those with a discerning taste for Japanese cuisine.
Average price per person: $100+ USD
Recommended: A5 Wagyu And Potato Croquette
Address: 584 Washington St, San Francisco, CA
Wako Japanese Restaurant
Situated at the core of the Richmond district, this culinary haven is devoted to creating visually striking dishes and delivering a top-quality dining experience. The culinary philosophy revolves around embracing the traditions of Japanese cuisine in every dish.
Earning acclaim for its exceptional standards, Wako proudly boasts a Michelin star.
Average price per person: $100+ USD
Recommended: Bluefin Tuna Belly With Caviar
Address: 211 Clement St, San Francisco, CA
Kuma Sushi + Sake
Kuma Sushi + Sake places a strong focus on a thoughtfully crafted menu, showcasing the finest catches of the day and complemented by a meticulously chosen array of sake. The atmosphere exudes a minimalist charm, creating a lively vibe.
Renowned for its top-notch sushi, the restaurant is dedicated to delivering an outstanding culinary experience.
Average price per person: $50 – 100 USD
Recommended: California Rolls & Spicy Tuna Rolls
Address: 1040 Polk St, San Francisco, CA
Image credits: Toast
Ozumo San Francisco
Distinguished for seamlessly blending sushi and robata cooking, this Japanese culinary haven is located on the Embarcadero in San Francisco.
Ozumo extends a warm invitation to indulge in a journey steeped in tradition and authenticity, promising an extraordinary Japanese dining experience.
Average price per person: $50+ USD
Recommended: Wagyu Maki
Address: 161 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA
Image credits: OpenTable
Rintaro
This Japanese izakaya beautifully blends modern influences with a traditional touch, nestled within a meticulously restored structure crafted from two existing buildings.
The space emanates a chic and lively atmosphere, adorned with exposed woods that add a touch of warmth. Within this dynamic setting, Rintaro proudly serves up traditional Japanese menus.
Average price per person: $50 – 100 USD
Recommended: Hojicha Panna Cotta & Kabocha Croquette
Address: 82 14th St, San Francisco, CA
Image credits: San Francisco Chronicle
Tataki Sushi and Sake Bar
Dedicated to highlighting the elegance and delicacy of Japanese cuisine while honoring the sanctity and fragility of the environment, this establishment specializes in health-centric, low-impact ingredients.
Tataki Sushi and Sake Bar menu is a testament to culinary innovation, featuring inventive sushi crafted with fresh, locally sourced, and organic fruits and vegetables.
Average price per person: $30 – 50 USD
Recommended: Fried Calamari
Address: 2827 California St, San Francisco, CA
Image credits: Mapstr
Eiji
Eiji, the renowned franchise specializing in Japanese cuisine and sushi bars, places a strong emphasis on prioritizing customer satisfaction. It offers a wide variety of dining amenities to enhance the overall experience.
Their homemade tofu stands out as something truly exceptional, adding a unique and delightful dimension to the culinary journey for every diner.
Average price per person: $30 – 50 USD
Recommended: Eggplant Walnut Miso & Mochi
Address: 317 Sanchez St, San Francisco, CA
Image credits: The Infatuation
Akiko’s Sushi Bar
In this cozy Japanese eatery, the culinary offerings include a delightful selection of raw fish and hot dishes like udon and teriyaki. Akiko’s Sushi Bar is dedicated to excellence, prioritizing the use of quality and fresh ingredients in crafting each plate served to customers.
This commitment ensures a flavorful and satisfying dining experience for every visitor.
Average price per person: $30 – 50 USD
Recommended: Salmon Nigiri
Address: 542A Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Image credits: SF Tourism Tips
Flying Ninja
Situated in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, this sushi restaurant stands out as a cozy eatery, boasting an extensive menu that includes sushi, noodles, teriyaki dishes, and an array of small plates.
Flying Ninja is particularly renowned for its famous sake, adding an extra layer of appeal to the overall dining experience.
Average price per person: $10 – 40 USD
Recommended: Salmon Delight Sushi Roll
Address: 461 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA
Image credits: Groupon
Saru Sushi Bar
Since its opening in 2012, Saru Sushi Bar has been diligently working to provide customers with delicious food at reasonable prices and friendly service.
The commitment to excellence has been recognized as the restaurant has been mentioned in the Michelin Guide, solidifying its reputation for delivering a high-quality dining experience.
Average price per person: $50 – 100 USD
Recommended: Salmon Omakase & Spider Roll
Address: 3856 24th St, San Francisco, CA
Image credits: Tripadvisor
Nojo Ramen Tavern
With an impressive footprint of over 200 restaurants in Japan and Singapore, the Nojo concept arrives in the US.
Their dedication to an unparalleled Japanese dining experience is evident through partnerships with local farms to secure top-notch ingredients. At Nojo Ramen Tavern, you can savor artisanal chicken broth noodles and unique small plates.
Average price per person: $20 – 40 USD
Recommended: Chicken Ramen
Address: 231 Franklin St, San Francisco, CA
Image credits: San Francisco Civic Center
We hope you enjoyed our list of Top 15 Japanese Restaurants in San Francisco!
